“Cyprus is a supporter of the accession perspective of Albania. The enlargement of the EU towards the Western Balkans is a geopolitical necessity during these challenging times. It is a promise of security, stability, and prosperity,” says Dr. Konstantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus in this exclusive interview with Albanian Daily News.

The top Cypriot diplomat visit Tirana this Sunday, September 7, for a working visit, reciprocating Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani’s recent visit to Cyprus. As part of his visit, Minister Kombos will address the meeting of Heads of Diplomatic Missions (Ambassadors) of Albania and is expected to have meetings with President Begaj, Prime Minister Rama, Speaker of the Parliament Spiropali and his counterpart Hasani, as well as with the Archbishop of Albania, Joan.

In this interview Mr. Kombos speaks on bilateral relations and the untapped potential in economic cooperation, Cyprus’s upcoming EU Presidency in the first half of 2026, his country’s stance regarding Kosovo and other issues.

- Your Excellency, thank you for this interview with Albanian Daily News. Visits by high-ranking Cypriot officials to Tirana are very rare, while last June our Foreign Minister, Igli Hasani, visited Cyprus. How would you describe the current state of relations between Albania and Cyprus?

-Our bilateral relations have been following an upward trajectory and have a particularly positive outlook. I am now reciprocating Minister Hasani’s recent visit with the aim of building on this momentum through the development and deepening of our cooperation in various sectors. I would also like to remind you of President Christodoulides’ visit last May in Tirana, where he attended the EPC Summit hosted by Albania.

- In your view, which areas deserve a deepening of cooperation and hold the greatest mutual interest?

-There exists an untapped potential in all areas which in our view deserves to be enhanced with the aim of an increased economic cooperation which would encourage and foster investments. At the same time, promoting new agreements, such as the Avoidance of Double Taxation, the negotiations for which will commence in the immediate future, remain the cornerstone for further developing our economic bilateral relations. It is also worth mentioning that the business community in Cyprus considers the Western Balkans region as a very attractive space for developing synergies. Albania offers a compelling mix of strategic positioning, economic momentum, supportive policies, and emerging sectoral opportunities, thus making it a standout destination for Cypriot businesses. Therefore, this is an opportunity that both Cyprus and Albania should take advantage of and capitalize on.  

- In the first half of 2026 (January-June), Cyprus will assume the rotating Presidency of the European Union. Could you share with us the possible priorities of this Presidency?

-Our priorities will be in terms of concluding certain files that we will be inheriting, but also leaving our mark in terms of shifting the focus of the European Union also towards the wider Middle East. Not only as a region where we have consecutive crises, but also as a region of opportunity and possibility.

This makes a lot of sense in terms of crisis management, in terms of crisis prevention, in terms of migration, but also in terms of free trade agreements and arrangements, and connectivity projects.

- Mr. Kombos, the five-party Cyprus negotiations under UN guidance concluded this July without resolving key disputes. Nevertheless, President Christodoulides expressed optimism about the continuation of dialogue. What do you hope to achieve in the near future?

-The Government of the Republic of Cyprus remains fully committed to the goal of the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions; a just and viable solution, in line with the acquis communautaire; a solution that will guarantee the rights and well-being of all Cypriots.

The resumption of negotiations, based on the agreed UN framework, remains the priority of the Government and the only path to ending the occupation and the unlawful division of our island. Our efforts to build the necessary conditions for a return to meaningful negotiations will continue with unwavering determination and commitment to international law and the fundamental principles and values of the European Union. Needless to say, the same willingness needs to be expressed by the other side. And unfortunately, we have not seen it. 

- Due to its strategic geographical position, Cyprus is the EU member state situated closest to the Middle East. On some occasions, your country has acted as a facilitator of communication between parties in conflict, as in the case of the Israel-Iran war. The world seems to be entering a dangerous spiral of conflicts. How do you assess the role of the EU in these difficult times, and what should change?

-As the EU Member State geographically closest to the region, Cyprus continues its active engagement in dialogue with regional actors. De-escalation and sustained diplomatic efforts are the only viable way forward.

Cyprus is at the southeastern edge of the European Union. And this is not just a geographical outpost. It is a strategic pillar. Without question, we all know location is crucial. However, it is our political stability and democratic governance of our human capital, our active diplomacy, that transforms geography into value for our partners. A gateway between regions.

In the last couple of years, we had to activate our evacuation plans and facilitate the evacuation of third country nationals from all over the world on at least four occasions. At the same time, we took an active stand in relation to what is happening in Gaza at the humanitarian front. Recently we delivered another 1.200 tons of aid there through international and regional cooperation.

- Mr. Minister, Cyprus is one of the five EU member states that has not recognized the state of Kosovo. Could you explain the Cypriot position on this issue?

-Our position on Kosovo is well known and consistent with our broader approach. I would like to emphasize that at the helm of the EU next year, Cyprus will be an honest broker.

At the same time, we need to see tangible commitment to the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. The parties are expected to engage therein in good faith. This is the only way forward.

- Although somewhat late, Albania has recently taken significant steps toward EU membership. How do you view Albania’s progress, and what are your thoughts on the enlargement of the Union toward the Western Balkans?

-I would like to reiterate once again that Cyprus is a supporter of the accession perspective of Albania. The enlargement of the EU towards the Western Balkans is a geopolitical necessity during these challenging times. It is a promise of security, stability, and prosperity.

The guiding principles of our Presidency, on enlargement, are strict but fair conditionality, adherence to the own merits’ principle and devotion to the strategic interests of the EU. Progress on the fundamentals and rule of law, including minority and property rights as well as sustained efforts on anticorruption, is a sine qua non.

We welcome the commitment of Albania and dedication to the reform process, including the full alignment with the CFSP positions, which is a testament of the adherence to Albania’s EU integration and of our shared geopolitical vision. /ADN